John P. Hayden press room opened at County Buildings

Journalists in Westmeath can now enjoy a space of their own at Westmeath County Council redeveloped headquarters in Mullingar, following the launch of the new press room at the County Buildings, Mullingar.The room - named after the Westmeath Examiner's first editor, John P. Hayden - gives members of the media the chance to work on location at the heart of the Council's HQ.Council cathaoirleach Fintan Cooney, officially opening the new press facility, said that the room is fully kitted out for access to the Internet, and the use of modern technology."A free and fair press is essential in any democratic system," he said, describing John P. Hayden as "an extraordinary man" who contributed much to the social and political life of Mullingar in the first half of the twentieth century.Mr. Nicholas Nally, former owner and editor of the Westmeath Examiner, thanked the Council for their decision to name the press room after the late Mr. Hayden, with whom we worked prior to Mr. Hayden's death in 1954.Remarking that Mr. Hayden was blind for most of his life, Mr. Nally said that his predecessor had spent "much time in British jails" for defending the rights of tenant farmers during the last decades of British rule."He always said that if you wanted to get anything done in the community, you should talk to Westmeath County Council first," Mr. Nally said, stressing John P. Hayden's belief in the power of local government.Ms. Eilís Ryan, current editor of the Westmeath Examiner, said that she was "happy and honoured" that the Council had taken the decision to offer a press room to the journalists of the county.